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Cosmetic Surgery · La Jolla, California

Breast Reduction in La Jolla

Surgery that removes breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size and relieve the neck, back, and shoulder pain that large breasts cause, and one of the few cosmetic operations insurance sometimes covers. Compare La Jolla clinics below and request a free consultation.

Typical cost in La Jolla

$8,000–$15,000

per procedure · USD

A general range for La Jolla, rounded for guidance. Confirm exact pricing with each clinic.

Surgeon directory

Breast Reduction surgeons in La Jolla

Plastic surgeons in La Jolla who list breast reduction among their procedures. Tap any surgeon to view details and request a consultation.

Brucker Plastic Surgery in La Jolla

Brucker Plastic Surgery

La Jolla

4.9 (99) · Google

Financing available

Brucker Plastic Surgery is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.9 stars across 99 Google reviews, performing 11 tracked procedures.

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John D. Smoot, MD, FACS in La Jolla

John D. Smoot, MD, FACS

La Jolla

4.7 (49) · Google

John D. Smoot, MD, FACS is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.7 stars across 49 Google reviews, performing 27 tracked procedures.

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Johan Brahme, M.D. in La Jolla

Johan Brahme, M.D.

La Jolla

4.7 (44) · Google

Johan Brahme, M.D. is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.7 stars across 44 Google reviews, performing 27 tracked procedures.

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La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in La Jolla

La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

La Jolla

4.7 (35) · Google

Financing available

La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.7 stars across 35 Google reviews, performing 20 tracked procedures.

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See all 17 plastic surgeons in La Jolla →

About Breast Reduction

Surgery that removes breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size and relieve the neck, back, and shoulder pain that large breasts cause, and one of the few cosmetic operations insurance sometimes covers.

Sessions

One procedure, results are long lasting at stable weight

Downtime

1 to 2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before full exercise

Good candidate

People with physical symptoms from breast size including back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes beneath the breasts, or difficulty exercising

  • Relieves chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain in most patients
  • Consistently among the highest patient satisfaction rates in all of surgery
  • Often partially or fully covered by insurance when criteria are met
  • Makes exercise and clothing dramatically easier
Read the full Breast Reduction guide →
At a glance

Breast Reduction in La Jolla: the numbers

8 plastic surgery practices in the La Jolla area list breast reduction. From Google Places listings; hours and locations change, so confirm with the practice.

  • Together the 8 with Google reviews hold 552 reviews at an average rating of 4.8; 2 have 100 or more.
  • Where they are: La Jolla (7), San Diego (1).
From their own websites

What La Jolla breast reduction practices state about themselves

What 8 La Jolla practices that list breast reduction say on their own websites (checked September 2026); one that does not mention something may still offer it, so ask at your consultation.

  • 3 of 8 state certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Other boards named: American Board of Surgery (1)
  • 1 of 8 state a free consultation
  • 1 of 8 mention financing
  • 3 of 8 show before-and-after photos on their site

In their words

Brucker Plastic SurgeryThe surgery itself is usually fairly straightforward, with the total procedure lasting around two-and-a-half to three hours. Breast reduction is done on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be discharged to head home and recover the same day.
San Diego Plastic Surgery Center - Dr. Jose RodriguezBreast reduction surgeries are carried out in our private operating room. The length of time your surgery may take will depend on several factors, including which incision method is used and the amount of reduction, as well as the positions of the areolas and nipples.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery: Katerina Gallus, MD, FACSDuring breast reductions, Dr. Gallus skillfully reshapes and lifts the breasts into perkier form and repositions the nipples higher on the chest to create a natural-looking result customized for you.
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Brucker Plastic SurgeryYour comfort and safety are paramount, so breast reduction is always done with the help of anesthesia and sedation.
FAQ

Breast Reduction in La Jolla: common questions

How much does Breast Reduction cost in La Jolla?

Breast Reduction generally runs $8,000–$15,000 per procedure, and each La Jolla clinic sets its own price. The biggest variables are the provider's experience level and the specific device or product used. Newer technology and senior injectors price at the upper end. Pricing is quoted in US dollars (USD). Request a consultation from any of our listed La Jolla clinics for a personalized quote.

How often should I get Breast Reduction?

Maintenance schedules vary. Most La Jolla providers recommend periodic refresh sessions every 6–12 months once optimal results are achieved.

Can I wear makeup after Breast Reduction?

Most patients wait 24 hours before applying makeup to avoid irritation on freshly-treated skin.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Often, and more often than patients expect, but carriers set specific criteria. Typically they want documented symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, evidence you have tried conservative measures like physical therapy or supportive garments, and sometimes a minimum amount of tissue to be removed based on your height and weight. Photographs are usually required. Start the process early because approval can take weeks, and ask the surgeon's office whether they handle the pre-authorization, since experienced offices do this routinely.

How much smaller will I be?

Surgeons discuss this in grams removed rather than cup sizes, because cup sizing is not standardized across brands. Most patients go down two to three cup sizes. The goal is proportion to your frame rather than a specific letter, and the surgeon also balances how much tissue insurance may require removed against what looks right for your body. Bring photos of the outcome you have in mind.

What is the satisfaction rate really like?

Breast reduction consistently records among the highest satisfaction rates of any surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, in published outcome studies. The reason is that it solves a functional problem and a cosmetic one simultaneously. Patients frequently describe the relief from physical symptoms as more significant than the change in appearance.

Will I be able to breastfeed afterward?

Some patients can and some cannot, and it is difficult to predict individually. Reduction removes glandular tissue and repositions the nipple, both of which can affect milk production and duct continuity. If you plan to breastfeed in future, discuss it explicitly, because certain techniques preserve more of the ductal system, and some patients choose to delay surgery until after childbearing.

What about the scars?

Most reductions use either a vertical lollipop pattern or an anchor pattern including a scar along the fold. They are permanent. Patients in this operation are, in general, notably accepting of scars because the symptom relief is so significant, but you should see photographs of typical scar outcomes at consultation so nothing surprises you afterward.

Request a free Breast Reduction consult